ย 

115th Fighter Wing Announces Plans For Hero's Welcome To Honor Fallen Pilot

The 115th Fighter Wing announced plans to honor Capt. Durwood โ€œHawkโ€ Jones, the pilot who died in an F-16 crash in Michiganโ€™s Upper Peninsula last month.

Jones, 37, is survived by his wife and two young children.

The crash happened during routine training in the Hiawatha National Forest around 8 p.m. on December 8, prompting an โ€œexhaustiveโ€ multi-agency search. Authorities found Jones, the lone occupant of the aircraft, on December 10. The F-16 was assigned at the 115th Fighter Wing at Truax Field Air National Guard Base in Madison.

The 115th Fighter Wing announced plans for a heroโ€™s welcome on Saturday (January 9):

โ€œThe 115th Fighter Wing will honor Major Durwood "Hawk" Jones with a hero's welcome tomorrow, January 9th, as his remains return to Wisconsin from Dover Air Force Base, Delaware. A processional will begin from the 115th Fighter Wing main gate to the Cress Funeral Home on University Avenue in Madison, Wis. beginning at approximately 11:45 a.m. Members of the community wishing to honor our fallen hero are encouraged to line the route on the sidewalk and boulevards to show their support.โ€
โ€œWe encourage all community members to observe COVID precautions when participating in this event.โ€
โ€œThe family has asked for privacy upon arrival at the funeral home. Please do not congregate on the funeral home grounds.โ€

Jones, of Albuquerque, New Mexico, was remembered as a decorated combat veteran who joined the Air National Guard in 2011, according to the 115th Fighter Wing.

The fatal crash prompted an investigation by the U.S. Air Force, which remains ongoing.

The first of three phases was slated to to take about a week, the second was expected to take about 30 days, and the third could take up to a year or more to report the full, comprehensive conclusions, 115th Fighter Wing commander Col.ย Bart Van Roo previously explained.

โ€œWe are deeply saddened by this tragic loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time,โ€ Van Roo previouslyย said in a statement. โ€œToday is a day for mourning, and the 115th Fighter Wing along with the entire Wisconsin National Guard stands with the pilotโ€™s family as we grieve the loss of a great Airman, and patriot.โ€

Photo: 115th Fighter Wing


Sponsored Content

Sponsored Content

ย